For almost 60 years, the Rowayton Arts Center (RAC) has been a community cultural hub providing an accessible environment for the exchange of arts-related ideas. RAC’s open and airy building on the scenic banks of the Five Mile River is the setting for exhibits and receptions, along with classes and workshops for artists at all levels, attracting participants and visitors from the area and beyond. RAC now has more than 200 members, including nationally-recognized professionals, talented amateurs, beginners and non-artists from Fairfield County and beyond.
RAC is a 501c3 nonprofit organization dedicated to providing access to the arts through opportunity, education and outreach. RAC’s programs are supported by membership dues, class and workshop fees, commissions on sales, and donations from generous individuals, foundations and civic-minded businesses. We have received support from the Department of Economic and Community Development, Connecticut Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the National Endowment for the Arts.
Moving beyond our own membership, RAC reaches out to the community through arts-related activities, sometimes in cooperation with other organizations such as local libraries, historical societies, schools, environmental groups and the Cultural Alliance of Fairfield County. Each June, we invite everyone to join in a free community plein-air painting competition and show with an opening reception that features live music and refreshments.